Pakistan has played a vital role in mediation between the USA and Iran. Pakistan is offering its offices and is at the leading front to resolve the issue between the USA and Iran. Pakistani mediation is acceptable because of its seriousness and proven track record. Pakistan has ended the decades-long war between the USA and Afghanistan through a peace process. It was Pakistan’s fruitful efforts that resulted in the Doha Accord and the successful withdrawal of USA troops. Now, tensions are again rising with its brotherly neighboring country. Pakistan has offered mediation for a peaceful settlement.
Why Pakistan offers mediations:
Pakistan wants to achieve multiple goals through this mediation. Since the May 2025 confrontation with India, Pakistan has been internationally very active and its international standing has become much better. To improve its international standing, diplomatic importance, and presence, Pakistan has offered its offices to stop this conflict.
Similarly, offering mediation and its offices has declared Pakistan a neutral state in this conflict, which means a neutral country’s territory is inviolable as per the Hague Convention. It provides a legal shield to Pakistan so that neither Israel nor Iran can violate the territorial integrity of Pakistan.
Apart from security, Pakistan wants to capitalize on its relationship with USA President Donald Trump. Trump referred to a Pakistan Field Marshal as his favorite, so Pakistan is using these growing relations to make Trump find a way through negotiation. These negotiations are very necessary for Pakistan to maintain a balanced relationship between Saudi Arabia and Iran.
Pakistan is in a Strategic Defense Agreement with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. If tensions rise and war escalates, there is a possibility that Saudi Arabia could attack Iran. In this situation, Pakistan might jointly attack Iran and defend Saudi Arabia. This is currently hypothetical but remains a serious situation. Pakistan is already facing tensions with its neighbors, India and Afghanistan. Making relations worse with another neighbor is a huge concern and would also face significant public resentment. On the other hand, Pakistan relies economically on Saudi Arabia in terms of oil, remittances, and other packages that support the foreign exchange reserves of the country. Maintaining this balance is very crucial for Pakistan.
Lastly, oil for the energy sector of Pakistan is based on imports through the Strait of Hormuz. About 80% of oil imports to Pakistan come via the Strait of Hormuz. Therefore, Pakistan wants to end the tensions and provide its offices. Not only is it beneficial for Pakistan, but it is also beneficial for the entire world and for the security of the lives of millions of innocent humans. Therefore, Pakistan has allot to lose if this mediation fails and allot to gain if it become successful.
Mentor – Civil Services Examination, Pakistan.
